I have never been good at writing songs. I had thought for a long time that I was just too far from my emotions to write an emotional piece, until I got to finals week. I had been working on a song all semester, but it was kind of trash. As the emotions and pressure built up, the song kind of flowed out of me. I wrote this song about being asked a question you aren't ready to answer. After I wrote this song, I related it to an interview I conducted. Here is my interview with Kendra Chantelle, a singer I met when I was young. Kendra is best known for competing in season 10 of American Idol.
Me: First off, what do you love most about music?
Kendra: I love that music is so open for interpretation; there is a sound and an expression aaaaaaaafor everyone and there's no wrong way to create sound. It's such a beautiful and aaaaaaaaprofound outlet!
Me: What do you wish you knew before you entered the industry?
Kendra: Hmm. It's definitely a learn as you go kind of industry, but I wish I knew sooner that aaaaaaaait was ok to say yes to more things and try sounds and situations out. I spent my aaaaaaaafirst years being afraid of trying things because I didn't want to get locked into a aaaaaaaaspecific sound; but until I opened myself up to trying a myriad of musical options, I aaaaaaaadidn't find out who I was creatively and musically.
Me: How has your musical style changed throughout the years?
Kendra: My sound has evolved as I have grown musically, spiritually, and as a woman. As a aaaaaaaayoung artist, it was so easy to accidentally mimic my favorites. After growing, trying aaaaaaaanew sounds, and figuring out what didn't work, my sound finally makes sense to aaaaaaaame.
Me: What is your process for creating music?
Kendra: Ahhhh creating music is my favorite thing in life! Usually, words and melody just aaaaaaaashow up together and if I can be clear minded enough to listen, the song writes aaaaaaaaitself.
Me: What songs were hardest to rite for you and why?
Kendra: Mmmm, I truly don't remember a song ever being hard to write necessarily. aaaaaaaa Sometimes, it's hard to face the reality of what I was feeling and a song makes it aaaaaaaa more clear, but the writing itself is just so natural and healing.
Me: What did you experience after you were able to face the reality of your emotions?
Kendra: Freedom! I find that once I stop holding them inside and allow them to come out aaaaaaaaand be heard in song form, I'm no long carrying that baggage.
Me: Do you have any other outlets you enjoy other than making music?
Kendra: I love walking in nature and yoga. Both allow me to clear my mind and be present.
Me: What platforms do you like to use to reach an audience?
Kendra: I am quite analog by nature, so I really just prefer the good old fashioned aaaaaaaavulnerability of a tiny venue and a listening audience. I just played at Rockwood aaaaaaaaMusic Hall in NYC Tuesday night and it is my favorite! The room maybe holds 50 aaaaaaaapeople, there's a grand piano and it's dim and people listen. I love the genuine aaaaaaaaconnection that happens.
Me: What venues have been your favorite so far?
Kendra : Rockwood in NYC and Bluebird Music Cafe in Nashville are my favorites that I've aaaaaaaaplayed. A dream venue for me is the Ryman Auditorium.
Me: Is there any particular equipment you like to use when making music?
Kendra: It's really hard to beat a Manley Tube Mic or a vintage Neuman and a tube tech.
You can view some of Kendra's work on Instagram @kendrachantelle
This interview, specifically the questions related to the creation of music deeply related to my process for creating this song.
Comments